Structure and Historical Contingency in EU Integration: A Brief Assessment from the Perspective of a “New Dane”

This chapter investigates the question as to in which way European politics impact on the subjectivation of individuals in its member states. In a first step it presents a theoretical framework that combines elements of the social theories of Norbert Elias, Michel Foucault, Peter Wagner and Andreas Reckwitz. This theoretical frame of reference, then, is applied to some empirical observations in Denmark. The author holds both a German and Danish passport and therefore has the advantage to experience EU politics from the perspective of two national citizenships. The observations, however, are of an anectodical character and serve as illustrations rather than as empirical evidence. In relating theory and observations to the other chapters of this volume, the chapter plays the role of a discussant. It concludes with some reflections in light of the theoretical framework, the Danish experiences, and some findings from the other authors.